What's Changing in the 2027 Smart Factory Program
Korea's smart factory program is set for a major restructuring in 2027. According to briefings held by regional Technoparks (TPs), the policy-linked tracks that were split into several streams through 2026 will be merged into a single track starting in 2027. The main program types, including Government General, Manufacturing-AI, and Autonomous Factory, are expected to be announced together in November.
The support volumes mentioned at the briefings are:
The first step is already underway. The call for lead implementing agencies for the 2027 program runs from September 16 to October 13, 2026, and the call for companies follows once those agencies are selected. These figures and dates come from the briefings, so check them again against the final official notice.
Background: KRW 2.5 Trillion Over 12 Years, but Only 2% Reached Real-Time Control
National audit materials reported on September 27, 2026 (Rep. Heo Seong-mu) show that about KRW 2.5 trillion went into the program from 2014 to 2025. Yet roughly 70% of participating companies (17,959 firms) are still at the basic level of barcodes and simple digitization. Only 525 firms (2.0%) reached the "Intermediate 2" level, where real-time decisions and control become possible.
This is why policy is moving away from counting installations and toward advancement and practical AI deployment. Real-time defect detection, predictive maintenance, and process optimization are becoming core evaluation criteria. So the first step is to find out where your factory stands today. Only then can you choose the right program type.
Choosing Your Type Under the Integrated Call
General Type
This type fits companies that don't yet have basic systems such as MES or ERP. With the quota expected to grow by more than 60%, it's a strong opportunity for firms that are building their digital foundation.
Manufacturing-AI Type
This type suits companies that already run an MES and collect equipment data. Selection depends on two things: whether you have clearly defined the problem you want to solve (defects, breakdowns, or yield), and whether usable data has actually been collected.
Autonomous Factory Type
This type is for companies with a clear goal of AI-driven autonomous control at the line level. Check early whether you can form a consortium with solution suppliers and whether you can cover your share of the cost.
Because every type opens at the same time, the best strategy is to pick the right one and commit to it rather than spreading your effort across several. Merging the tracks may change bonus points and eligibility rules, so read the official notice closely.
Two Months Before the November Call: What to Do Now
Common Mistakes and What Evaluators Look For
How KITIM Can Help
KITIM provides step-by-step consulting that covers maturity assessment, type selection, supplier selection, business plan writing, and post-project management. For companies unsure whether the General or Manufacturing-AI type fits them better, we review your data readiness and shop-floor problems together.
There are only about two months until the November integrated call. If you wait for the announcement to start, you won't have time to refine your KPIs or compare suppliers properly. Book a pre-assessment consultation with KITIM now, and we'll design the right program type and preparation roadmap for your company together.